JOSEPH MILTON GRAY, the efficient manager of the Muncie Casket Company, is a native of Delaware County, Indiana, born November 22, 1854, on a farm in Salem Township. His father James M. Gray, was born in Tennessee in January, 1829, went to Ohio when a youth and became a resident of Delaware County, Indiana, in early manhood, locating in the township of Salem, where he carried on farming for several years. Later he embarked on the mercantile business at Daleville, where the carried on a fairly successful trade for twenty-eight years, removing, at the end of that time to the city of Anderson, where he engaged in the sale of buggies and carriages. His first marriage was consummated with Elizabeth Shoemaker, of Salem township, who died November 20, 1866, the mother of seven children -- two sons and five daughters -- Joseph M. being the third in order of birth. Mr. Gray's second marriage took place in the year 1868 with Mrs. Mary A. McClanahan, widow of the late Elijah McClanahan, the union resulting in two children -- a son and a daughter -- the latter dying in infancy. For a number of years James M. Gray has been a leading member of the Christian church, and a prominent Mason. He met with encouraging success in his various business ventures, but suffered severe financial reverses during the panic of 1873.

Joseph M. Gray first attended the district schools, and after the removal of his parents to Daleville became a pupil in the school of that village, obtaining thereby a fair English education.

After the death of his mother, which occurred when he was twelve years old, he went to live with his uncle, P. M. Rudy, whose house was his home for about two years, or until his father's second marriage, when he returned to the village of Daleville and entered his father's store. At the age of nineteen he purchased an interest in the business, which from that time until the fall of 1881 was carried on very successfully under the firm name of J. M. Gray & Son, the latter retiring at that date, and effecting a co-partnership in the general mercantile and grain business with his two uncles, J. P. [Shoemaker] and S. B. Shoemaker, Gray & Co. The relationship thus constituted lasted about nine years, at the end of which time Mr. Gray disposed of his interest, and with J. P. Shoemaker purchased a controlling interest in the Muncie Casket works, of which he was made secretary. Subsequently he assumed general management of the concern, a position he still retains, and under his able supervision the volume of business has been greatly increased, being over one hundred per cent. in excess of what was done when Mr. Gray became a partner. Mr. Gray has met with the most flattering success in his various enterprises, and his judgment is seldom wrong in matters of business policy. He possesses rare executive abilities, is prompt and methodical in the management of his affairs, not given to speculation, being satisfied with legitimate gains; in short, he possesses those correct business principles which when directed and controlled by good judgment, seldom fail of insuring success.

Mr. Gray was married June 24, 1877, to Miss Jennettia Griffis, daughter of Robert Griffis, an old and prominent physician of Middletown, Henry county; two children resulted from this union: Owen Leslie [Gray], who died at the age of twenty-two months, and Myron Herbert [Gray], a bright boy of twelve, whose birth occurred on the 7th day of September, 1881. Mr. Gray has been a lifelong republican, but his ambition has never run in the direction of seeking office, never having been a candidate for any position. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men and the order of Maccabees, and for some years has been a prominent Odd Fellow. He became identified with the Christian church in 1870, since which date his life has been a practical exemplification of his religious profession.

A. W. Bowen & Co
Kelly Runyon-Bragg


Samuel Bond Garrett son of Jonathan and Anna (Bond) Garrett, born Nov. 21, 1844, in Wayne County, Ind.; married Oct. 15, 1874: Annie L. Heath, born April 29, 1855, daughter of John W. and Mary (Kendall) Heath, then of Madison County, Ind. At the time of his marriage he was engaged in the drug trade at Daleville, Ind., and was postmaster of the town for eleven years. Moved to Muncie in 1890 and engaged in real estate business. Spent much of his spare time for twenty-five years in genealogical work and in 1909 published a history of Welcome Garrett and his descendants. The collection of data for this and also for a history of the Bond family was begun in 1884. He was a member of Co. I, 153d Ind. Vol. Inft., is a Mason, Odd Fellow, Red Man and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. She, Annie L. (Heath) Garrett, is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, being a great-granddaughter of Jacob Heath, who served in Captain Seth Murray's company, Col. Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge (25th Reg.) Massachusetts Volunteers, in the year 1775. Children: Mark D. Garrett, b. Jan. 20, 1877, in Daleville, Ind.; a printer by trade and foreman in composing department of the Muncie (Ind.) Morning Star.

Source: Bond Genealogy
Contributed by Kelly Runyon Bragg


WALTER GRAY, a prominent farmer and lawyer, is a native of Indiana, born on the 15th day of July, 1851, in the county of Randolph. His father, Matthew Gray, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, in the year 1822, moved to Delaware county in 1853, settling in Perry township, where he resided for a period of five years, moving thence to the county of Randolph. After a residence of seven years in the latter, he returned to Delaware County, where he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1891. The mother of Walter Gray was Margaret (Sanders) Gray, a woman of most exemplary character. Walter Gray remained with his parents until arriving at the years of his legal majority, pursuing his studies in the meantime in the common schools during the winter seasons and assisting his father on the farm in the summer. For some time after his twenty-first year, he taught school, and followed the pursuits of agriculture on the home place, meeting with encouraging success in both vocations. In 1874, on the 30th day of December, when twenty-two years old, Mr. Gray was united in marriage with ,Miss Mary Vanbuskirk, and shortly thereafter purchased forty acres of land in Jay county, upon which he resided until 1879, disposing of the same in that year and removing to Kansas. Not finding the west suitable to his taste, he returned to Indiana after about one year's residence, and located in the county of Delaware, where he invested his sole earthly wealth, about seventy dollars, in a small tract of real estate, consisting of twenty acres. On this modest homestead Mr. Gray, engaged in agriculture in a moderate way, and at the same time yielded to an inclination of long standing and began the study of law, in the prosecution of which his progress was most commendable. In due time he was admitted to the bar, since which date he has practiced successfully in the courts of Delaware county, where he has a large, and lucrative business, looking after his farming interests in the meantime. For four years, he was associated in the profession with Hon. George H. Koons, present judge Delaware circuit court, but since the elevation of that gentleman to the bench, has practiced without a partner. At this time, he resides on a beautiful farm in Harrison Township,. in which, as in other parts of the county, he owns valuable tracts of real estate, being the possessor of over three hundred acres of land, the result of his own efforts and well directed energy and business thrift.

In every relation of life, Mr. Gray has proved a most exemplary man and few citizens of his township are as widely and favorably known. A practical farmer, he believes in the dignity of that most useful and honorable calling; a lawyer of pronounced ability, his legal record during a number of years of close application to the profession is unclouded by the slightest tinge of anything disreputable in the practice; and a broad minded, intelligent man of affairs, he enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens and is looked upon in his community as a true type of the educated, courteous gentleman. Mr. Gray is the proud father of three sons, and his home is a model in its various appointments, and the abode of generous, old fashioned hospitality, Mr. Gray has always taken an active part in politics, and at the early age of twenty years was chosen a member of the democratic central committee, with which party he officiated until r 89o, since which time he has been identified with the people's party. Mrs. Gray was born in Delaware County, Indiana, June 30, 1858, and is the daughter of James and Mary (Grim) Vanbuskirk. Mr. Vanbuskirk was an Ohioan by birth, but came to Delaware County in his boyhood, and became one of the successful farmers of this part of the country. He died at the age of fifty-four years; his widow is still living, making her home at this time in Madison county, near the city of Anderson.

A. W. Bowen & Co
Kelly Runyon-Bragg


William Gibson deceased, was born in Monroe Township, Delaware County, Indiana, April 1, 1838, on the farm entered from the United States governent by his father Robert Gibson, in 1822 Robert Gibson was born in Virginia in 1804, and died on this farm in Delaware County, Indiana, in 1858. The family from which he descended came originally from Ireland and settled in the Carolinas, whence they moved to Virginia; later several of its members located in Ohio, and eventually, in 1822, Robert with four brother found his way to Delaware county, Indiana, when the county was a wilderness teeming with wild animals, while men were particularly scarce. Robert Gibson married for his second wife Miss Nancy Davis (the mother of William, her first born, whose name opens this sketch), but this lady survived only until about 1844, and the remains of these two pioneers now repose in Rees cemetery, this county. William Gibson was reared on the farm on which he was born, and for about forty-five years pursued an industrious farmer's life, and at the time of his death, August 28, 1893, owned 120 acres of fine land five miles south of Muncie. His education had been such as is usually given farmers' lads, and at the age of twenty-one years, he began farming on his own account. But the Civil war came on, and he, being a staunch republican and a true patriot, became a member of the One hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana volunteer infantry, joining in 1864 and serving until the close of hostilities, and being mustered out as sergeant.

In the fall of 1892, Mr. Gibson bought property in Muncie, on which he resided until August 1893, when he returned to Monroe Township. He was always a prosperous man in his business was careful, considerate and just, and never contracted an obligation unless he was positive that he could meet it. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a devout observer of its teachings, a liberal man to the poor, and' never turned from his door a hungry man. He was also a member of the G. A. R., Williams post, No. 78. He was popular with young and old, and especially with young people, who loved him for his disposition.

October 14th, 1858, Mr. Gibson was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Johnson, born in Henry county, Indiana, March 8, 1838, daughter of John and Charlotte (Stephenson) Johnson. Her father was born June 2, 1811, in Virginia, and then moved to Ohio, and in a very early day came to Indiana and settled in Henry county. Here he lived until his death, March, 21, 1889, He was married in Ohio before coming to Indiana, November 27, 1834: his wife being Charlotte Stephenson, who was born April 9, 1812, in Muskingum county, Ohio. Mrs. Johnson now lives in Henry County on the old homestead. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born nine children, four of whom are living, as follows: Catharine J., Silas, Lewis and William K. The names of the deceased ones are Martha, who died August 23, 1840; Elizabeth, June 25, 1871; Sarah, August 16, 1852; Anna, September 10, 1852, and Mary, March 21, 1858. Mrs. Gibson is a member of the High street Methodist Episcopal church of Muncie, and holds a high position in the esteem of neighbors and friends.

Portrait & Biographical Record Delaware County, Indiana


JOSEPH STRADLING was born in Bucks County, Pa., June 4, 1813. At the age of eight years he lost his father by death, and, within a fortnight thereafter, his mother also died, leaving him thus early without the tender associations and hallowed influences of home. His kind grandfather, who took him to his own home and reared him as one of his own children, measurably repaired this loss, however. He attended the common school during the winter, and worked on his grandfather's farm during the remainder of the year, until he attained the age of seventeen years. At that age he became the apprentice of a carpenter, and, after learning the trade, worked as a journeyman in his native county, and in the city of Philadelphia. At the age of twenty-four years he decided to seek a home in the west, feeling assured that his opportunities there would be more favorable than in the east, where the trades and professions were overcrowded. In 1837, he arrived at Muncie, then a small village, and began work at his trade. He was engaged at carpenter work until 1841, and in that year began the manufacture of wagons. This he continued successfully for eleven years, and then, with the money saved from his earnings as a mechanic, he purchased eighty acres of land in Section 7, Centre Township, where he has ever since resided, devoting his time to agricultural pursuits. About thirty acres of his farm had been cleared when he purchased it, and he addressed himself at once to the task of clearing and improving the balance. Subsequently, he purchased forty acres in Section 18, a portion of which he has since cleared. His entire life has been marked by industry and energy, and by faithful and diligent labor he has amassed a competence to sustain him in his declining years. While he has always been prudent and economical, he has never been close or stingy, and is a well-known friend to improvement. All enterprises having for their object the welfare of the county have received his hearty encouragement and support, and he has contributed liberally of his time and means for their advancement. His life has always been upright and honorable, and, whenever he is known, he is honored and esteemed by all.

On the 4th day of May, 1843, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Stewart, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, January 4, 1824, and came with her parents, Samuel and Mary Stewart, to Delaware county, Indiana, settling in Salem Township, in March, 1830. They are the parents of seven children, named respectively, William H., John M., and Arthur R. William H. and Charles E. are deceased, and Martha J. married James J. Warfel in October 1877. William H. enlisted in company B, Sixty-ninth Indiana volunteer infantry, and served with the same until his death, at East Pascagoula, Miss., January 5, 1865. As already stated Mr. Stradling has been successful in a financial sense, and now owns 228 acres of valuable land in Delaware County, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. In 1841 he brought the first buggy to Muncie that was ever used in Delaware County. He recalls with much pleasure the stirring scenes of pioneer times in which he bore such a prominent part, and the incidents and reminiscences of his life at that early period are among his most pleasing recollections.

A. W. Bowen & Co
Kelly Runyon-Bragg


ROBERT W. STRADLING, one of the progressive farmers of Hamilton township and a member of one of the old and highly respectable families of Delaware County, of which he is a native, was born in the township of Hamilton, March 20, 1858, the son of Rhodes and Rachel (McCormack) Stradling. Rhodes Stradling was a native of Ohio and came with his parents to Indiana when a boy, and here married Miss McCormack, who bore him two children, namely: Willie Ann, wife of Cornelius B. Price, and Robert, whose name opens this sketch. Rhodes Stradling was a prosperous farmer, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1861, was the owner of 24o acres of valuable land in Hamilton Township. As a member of the Methodist church, he had for many years lived a most excellent Christian life; in politics he wielded an influence for the republican party, and his death was felt to be a great loss to the community in which he had so, long resided. Mrs. Stradling afterward re-married, and is still a resident of the township of Hamilton, being now Mrs. N. Poland.

Robert W. Stradling was but five years old when his father died, and with the exception of three years spent with his grandfather in Muncie, passed his life upon the farm. He was married February 16, 1877, to Mary E. Weir, daughter of Even and Louisa (Williamson) Weir, the father, a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent, and the mother of Ohio, where she was born of German parentage. After marriage, Mr. Stradling located about three miles from the village of Royerton on a farm of eighty-five acres. and in 18 79 removed to his present place, about one quarter of a mile of Royerton, where he, owns a valuable farm of 1 $o acres, upon which there is some of the best improvements in the township. Mr. Stradling is one of the progressive men of Delaware County, a representative farmer, and a man whom his neighbors and friends all unite in praising. Politically he is a republican, and while riot a member of any church, gives cheerfully to aid all religious movements, and is a liberal friend of everything that has a tendency to advance the moral well being of the community. Like his father, Mr. Stradling possesses excellent business qualifications, and by careful management, arid wise foresight has succeeded in accumulating a goody portion of this world's goods. Mrs. Stradling is a member of the United Brethren church, and has become a very valuable helpmeet to her husband during their wedded life. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stradling five are living at this time, namely: Frank H., Rachel E., Huldah L., Lillian L., and Jesse W. Mrs. Stradling is one of five children, namely: Mrs. Emma Sheets; Julia; wife of Benjamin Boyd; Rose, wife of Lawrence C. Klus; Thomas Weir and herself. The mother died in 1870; the father is still living in this county.

A. W. Bowen & Co
Kelly Runyon-Bragg


WILLIAM STRADLING was born March 27, 1811, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Daniel Stradling, his father, was a native of the same county and state, born about the year 1790, and married in Montgomery County Pa., Miss Elizabeth Rhodes, who bore him the following children: Sophia, deceased; John, deceased; William, whose name introduces this sketch; Moses and Joseph Stradling. After his marriage, Daniel Stradling engaged in mercantile business in Bucks County, Pa., and after continuing for nine years, began farming, which he carried on the remainder of his life. He and wife died in Montgomery County, Pa., in the year 1824. They were members of the Society of Friends, and Daniel Stradling was a Whig in his political belief and a very successful man financially.

William Stradling grew to manhood in his native county and state, was reared on a farm, but early learned the carpenter's trade under E. Good, with whom he served a four years' apprenticeship, acquiring great proficiency as a mechanic in the meantime. After mastering his trade, he worked at the same as a journeyman for three years in Bucks County, after which he began contracting and building upon his own responsibility and was thus employed for twenty years. In 1855 he moved to Delaware County, Indiana, and purchased 120 acres of woodland in Centre Township, from which in time he developed a beautiful and highly cultivated farm, where he has since resided. Mr. Stradling was married in Bucks County, Pa., February 29, 1835, to Miss Jane Michener, whose birth occurred in Bucks County, Pa., on the 7th day of March 1817. Mrs. Stradling is the daughter of George and Isabelle (Shannon) Michener, early settlers of Bucks county, and descendants of old English families that settled in Pennsylvania at a period antedating the Revolutionary struggle. Mr. and Mrs. Stradling are the parents of thirteen children, namely: Mary E., Martha, John (Deceased), Isabelle, Joseph, George, Thomas, Sophia (deceased), Anna, Clinton, Edward, Catherine and Julia (deceased). Politically Mr. Stradling is a Republican and in religion adheres to the simple Quaker faith of his ancestors. He is a citizen and neighbor highly honored in his community, and his aim has been not so much to amass this world's goods as to establish a reputation for honesty and integrity. That he has accomplished this laudable aim is attested by the high estimation in which he is held by fellow citizens, and in the sphere of life nobly and faithfully has he performed every duty that presented itself.

A. W. Bowen & Co
Kelly Runyon-Bragg


WILLIAM ABBOTT

A retired farmer and prominent citizen of Centre Township, Delaware County, Indiana, was born in Warren County, Ohio, December 15, 1833, son of James Abbott and Rose (Keenan) Abbott. James Abbott was born where the city of Cincinnati now stands, February 27, 1794. He was a son of Aaron Abbott, of English extraction, who was born near Boston, Massachusetts, but reared in Warren County, Ohio. Shortly after the removal of the family to that county, the colony was attacked with cholera, and Aaron Abbott was one of the few who survived the scourge. He died soon after the birth of his son James therefore no family history is known before Aaron. James Abbott was reared in Warren County, and there learned the trade of cabinetmaker. While yet a minor he enlisted in the War of 1812, and in 1813 was in one of the vessels on Lake Erie during the battle between Commodore Perry of the Lawrence and the British Fleet. His service did not extend over very many months, and after his return, home he located in Lebanon, Ohio, where he worked at his trade, remaining there until his marriage June 19, 1823. After this event, he removed to Miami County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming for about twelve years, when he then removed, in 1847, to Indiana becoming one of the early pioneers of Delaware County. He purchased a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located about one mile east of Granville, in Niles Township, and there remained until his death, which occurred October 14, 1874. His wife died April 16, 1881, and both were laid side by side in the Granville Cemetery, where a modest stone marks their last resting place. Mr. Abbott was a successful businessman and became possessed of considerable property. Both he and his wife were members for many years of the Free Will Baptist Church. In his early days, he was a Whig, but upon the birth of the Republican Party, he joined that and supported its principles through life. He became the father of seven children: Aaron Abbott, who died in 1862; John K. Abbott, a resident of Miami County, Ohio; Ellen Abbott, deceased; William, subject of this sketch; James D. Abbott, a resident of Delaware County; George Abbott, a resident of Albany, Delaware County, Indiana, and Sarah E. Abbott, wife of Amos Wilson, of Henry County, Indiana.

William Abbott was born on the farm in Warren County, Ohio, and, like all farmer lads of that time, was early in life inured to hard labor. While still young he learned the trade of carpentry, and when there was no work to be performed on the farm he busied himself working at his trade. His educational advantages were very limited, and at the age of eighteen years he began life for himself, engaging in farming and working at the carpentry trade. For several years, he rented land, but in 1866, he bought eighty acres in Niles Township, Delaware County, Indiana. At the age of twelve years, he had accompanied his father to Delaware County. After purchasing his farm, he engaged in work upon it for some years, but in the fall of 1872, he moved into Muncie, , where he conducted a private restaurant and hotel, which is now known as the Abbott House and is managed by a Mr. Braun of the same place. In 1879, Mr. Abbott retired from this business, and two years later connected himself with the Citizens' National Bank as Director, which position he still holds. After leaving the hotel ,Mr., Abbot was appointed Courtroom Bailiff, serving as such for seven years. He has a beautiful home of eight acres at Riverside, one of the most valuable pieces of property in the neighborhood. June 1, 1856, Mr. Abbott was married in Delaware County, to Miss Frances M. Adset, born in Warren County, Ohio, daughter of J. Adset and wife Mary. Four children have been born of this marriage: Josephine Abbott, deceased; Marion Abbott; John C. Abbott, an official in the bank, and an infant, deceased. Mr. Abbot enlisted in the service of his country February 8, 1865, in Company B, One Hundred Forty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for one year, and served until July 1, 1865, at Cumberland, Maryland, but was not called upon for active duty. Politically Mr. Abbott affiliates with the Republican Party and has served as a Justice Of The Peace in Niles Township for eight years. Mrs. Abbott is a member of the Methodist Church, and the family occupies a position of the greatest respectability and prominence.

Portrait & Biographical Record Delaware County, Indiana


WILLIAM BENNETT has for some years been a prominent citizen of Delaware county, and at this writing is one of the strong financial men and leading spirits of the city of Muncie. Mr. Bennett is a native of Ohio, born September 4, 1826, in the county of Pickaway, to which John and Sarah (Downs) Bennett moved a number of years ago from Delaware. William is the sixth child of the above, and he grew to manhood in his native county, in the schools of which he received his educational training. Reared on the farm he laid the foundations of a character which in later years has enabled him to accumulate vastly more of this world's goods than usually falls to the lot of the average man. In 1849, he was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda VanBuskirk of Pickaway county, Ohio, daughter of John and Sophia VanBuskirk; she died in the spring of '74, leaving three daughters and one son; oldest, Sophia, wife of James O. Day, of Madison county, Ohio; Mary, wife of James McClimons of Madison county, Ohio; Laura, wife of Fred [Fredrick] W. Heath of this city, and Winfield Scott, who died at twenty-one years and three months. Some years thereafter, Mr. Bennett followed the pursuit of agriculture near his old home. Later Mr. Bennett removed to the county of Madison, near Mt. Sterling, where he remained for eight years, a part of which time was devoted to his chosen calling but later, owing to impaired health, he was compelled to abandon the active work of the farm. Mr. Bennett became a resident of Indiana in the year of 1882, locating in the thriving city of Muncie, where he has since resided. In 1868, he purchased real estate in Mt. Pleasant township, also became the possessor of valuable farming lands in the township of Harrison, also a farm in Salem township, and at different times made judicious investments in various parts of the county until he finally became the largest owner or real estate in Delaware county. In addition to his holdings in the country, Mr. Bennett is also largely possessed of Muncie real estate, and real estate in Pickaway and Madison counties, Ohio. He has two farms in Pickaway county of 700 and 400 acres respectively, and one farm in Madison county of 287 acres, very valuable -- which, with the other possessions, are the legitimate result of his wise foresight. He is a large stockholder in the Co-operative Gas company of Muncie, is, also, prominently identified with the Cammack Gas company, beside taking an active interest in various other industrial enterprises and other movements.

Mr. Bennett is now in the sixty-seventh year of his age, possesses in a marked degree his faculties both mental and physical, and, is still quick of perception and prompt in decision. His success in life is to be attributed to a naturally well endowed mind, plus caution, energy, frugality, integrity and earnest endeavor, which qualities have established a character above reproach and gained for him the esteem and confidence of many. Politically a republican, he has never been prominent as a partisan, preferring to give his entire attention to his business enterprises; religiously the Methodist church represents his creed, and for some years he has been an active member of the High street congregation of Muncie.

Mr. Bennett remarried December 17, 1874 to Miss Mary Maddox of Pickaway county, Ohio, by whom he has had one child, named Pearl R., who still resides at home.

A. W. Bowen & Co
Kelly Runyon-Bragg


RUSSELL BOWERS, a prominent young farmer of Salem Township, is a native of Delaware County, Indiana, and son of Jacob Bowers and Rebecca (Sharp) Bowers. He was born in the township of Salem June 7, 1867, and grew to manhood on the farm, attending in the meantime the public schools, in which he acquired a fair knowledge of the English branches. Subsequently, he took a full business course in a commercial college at Dayton, Ohio, from which he graduated, and shortly thereafter spent two years in the west, in the states of Missouri and Nebraska. Returning to Delaware County, he resumed farming, and has ever since carried on the pursuit of agriculture with success and financial profit. Mr. Bowers is yet a young man and his life just in its prime. From early boyhood, it has been marked by industry and economy, and by honest toil, he has accumulated a comfortable estate. He has a cozy home, consisting of forty-six acres of fertile and well-tilled land, and among his fellow citizens, he is recognized as an upright and honorable man, possessing the esteem and confidence of all who know him. Mr. Bowers was married January 31, 1889, to Lucinda J. Runyan, daughter of Noah and Lydia Runyan, and one child, Leonard Bowers, has come to brighten their home. The parents of Mrs. Bowers moved from Henry to Delaware County in 1881, and purchased a farm in Salem Township. Their children were three in number: Emma and Ida, twins, and Lucina.

A. W. Bowen & Co
Kelly Runyon-Bragg


Robert Dunn senior member of the firm of Dunn Lime & Sewer Pipe Company, contractors for plastering, and wholesale and retail dealers in lime, hair, cement, plaster of paris, fire brick, fire clay, etc., is one of the representative business men of Muncie, and a highly respected citizen of Delaware County. He was born October 11, 1830, in Abbeville district, South Carolina, the son of James and Bethome (Evans) Dunn. The father was a farmer, which vocation he carried on in his native state in connection with shoemaking, and later in Fayette County, Indiana, where he moved in 1832, settling near the town of Connorsville. in 1833 he moved to Rush County, this state, where he resided for two years, and then became a resident of the county of Hancock, where he made his home until 1846, at which time he locate in Marion County, where his wife's death occurred in 1847, Subsequently he removed to Indianapolis, where he resided for a limited period, and then returned to his farm in Marion County, but did not long remain there, moving, within about one year, to the southern part of the state, and eventually returning to the county of Fayette. In 1851 he went back to his native state, South Carolina, and after a few years residence there, returned to Fayette County in the year 1858. His second wife was Polly Simms. James Dunn was the father of eight children, namely: Elizabeth J. Dunn, deceased; Robert, whose name introduces this sketch; James R. Dunn, deceased; Nancy Dunn, who lives in Chicago; Martha G. Dunn, deceased; Andrew J. Dunn, of Indianapolis; William Thomas Dunn, deceased and George Dunn, a citizen of Marion county, Indiana. Rober Dunn, the second of the above children, was reared on a farm unit 1848, at which time he began learning the trade of plastering in Indianapolis, and with the exception of two years spent in farming in Rush County, has followed that vocation ever since. He became a resident of Muncie in the year 1888, and now does a very extensive and lucrative business as a plasterer, beside dealing very largely in the articles enumerated in the introduction of this sketch -- his place on west Dumont Street being one of the well known business houses of the city. Mr. Dunn has been twice married; the first time in August 1850, to Miss Martha Day, who was born in Marion County, this state, in 1830, the daughter of Mark and Elizabeth Day, of Ohio. To this union were born five children: William L. Dunn, associated with his father; Mary A. Dunn, Richard W. Dunn, also his father's associate; Harvey E. Dunn of Muncie, and George E. Dunn, who works at the tailoring business. The mother of these children, a most excellent christian woman, and for many years a member of the Methodist Church, died in the year 1869. In 1870, Mr. Dunn married his present wife, Mrs. Eliza J. Wolfe, of Rushville, Indiana. Mr. Dunn is a Republican in politics and fraternally belongs to the I.O.O.F. Since his removal from Rushville to Muncie in the year above noted, he has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative business, and as a skilled workman he has been extensively employed in the city and throughout the county. He is one of the substantial citizens of Delaware County, and in a modest way has contributed his full share toward its development and prosperity.

Portrait & Biographical Record Delaware County, Indiana


Deb Murray